Emergency Medical Services for Long-Distance Foot/Races

Objective: To investigate the incidence of ill or injured persons utilizing emergency medical services (EMS) during long distance foot/races, as well as the planning of EMS in such types of mass gatherings. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective study from January through December 2002. We planned the EMS for and participated in 7 mass gatherings, which included marathons and foot/races. During planning we focused our attention on deploying first aid stations, and mobile rescue teams; developing an incident comment system including a commander, liaison, and triage personnel; as well as evaluting the needs for manpowers, equipments and medication; designing medical records and transportation tools; and selecting the receiving hospital including helicopter rescue. Results: Participants totalled about 61,000 people, and 3,728 patients utilized our services. The medical use rate was 6.1% (range, 0.39%-14.59%). Three patients (0.05%) were transported to a hospital for further treatment. Conclusions: Medical use rates during long-distance foot/races were about 6.1% on average. Only very rarely have to be transported to the hospital during such types of mass gatherings. Our experiences suggest that the planning of EMS during long-distance foot/races is warranted.